Kennedy Center Keeps Tarps Up 7 Days After Trump Name Removal Order

Q: Why was a new endowment fund created with the former name after the court ordered its removal from the building?

The new endowment was created to preserve a legal way to keep Trump’s name tied to the Kennedy Center after the court said it could not appear on the building itself. Court filings and statements from Kennedy Center spokeswoman Roma Daravi indicate the board said the “Trump Kennedy Center Fund” would recognize Trump’s contributions and support the center’s mission, especially major renovation needs and what officials described as the building’s physical disrepair. The fund is meant to supplement existing endowments and the $257 million in congressional funding already approved for repairs. The fund also appears tied to fundraising concerns. In court, the Kennedy Center argued that removing all association with the Trump name could jeopardize donations already raised or pledged, saying some commitments were made on the understanding that Trump’s name would remain connected to the institution. The center warned that without that association, fundraising could stall and some money might have to be refunded or withdrawn. So while the judge ordered Trump’s name removed from the facade and official renaming materials because only Congress can change the center’s legal name, the board used an endowment fund as a separate, lawful vehicle to continue honoring him and to protect fundraising for renovations.

3 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Jun 20

Seven days after workers began taking President Trump’s name off the Kennedy Center facade under court order, tarps still cover the front of the building, preventing any public confirmation that the full sign came down.
A sworn court declaration from operations chief Matt Floca said the name was removed on June 13, and photographers captured at least two letters being taken off, but the remaining facade cannot be seen.
The Kennedy Center said the scaffolding and tarps will stay in place while crews address maintenance needs involving the marble and soffit panels.
That continued cover has fueled speculation over whether any letters remain, turning a signage dispute into a broader political flashpoint for both Trump critics and supporters.